Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Wilmington University
Bachelor's Degree
wilmu.eduAnalysis
Wilmington University's Liberal Arts program shows surprisingly strong outcomes compared to similar programs nationwide—graduates earn about $5,000 more in their first year than the national median and maintain that advantage as they progress in their careers. While it ranks 60th percentile among Delaware's three liberal arts programs, the debt load of roughly $30,000 is actually below both state and national medians, resulting in a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio under 0.75.
The 22% earnings growth from year one to year four suggests graduates are finding career momentum, moving from $41,000 to nearly $50,000. That trajectory matters more than the starting salary for a liberal arts degree, which by nature prepares students for diverse career paths rather than a single high-paying track. The relatively modest debt means graduates aren't financially strapped while they build their careers.
The major caveat: this data comes from fewer than 30 recent graduates, so individual outcomes could vary significantly. But the pattern here—below-average debt with above-average earnings—suggests this program delivers better value than most liberal arts degrees. If your child is committed to a liberal arts education and considering Delaware schools, Wilmington's combination of reasonable cost and solid earning potential makes it worth serious consideration.
Where Wilmington University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all liberal arts and sciences, general studies and humanities bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Wilmington University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wilmington University | $41,066 | $49,894 | +21% |
| Georgetown University | $66,719 | $100,387 | +50% |
| Bentley University | $72,333 | $87,110 | +20% |
| DePaul University | $84,066 | $71,435 | -15% |
| Delaware State University | $35,998 | $47,980 | +33% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Delaware
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Delaware (3 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $12,330 | $41,066 | $49,894 | $29,971 | 0.73 | |
| $10,314 | $35,998 | $47,980 | $24,980 | 0.69 | |
| National Median | — | $36,340 | — | $27,000 | 0.74 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with liberal arts and sciences, general studies and humanities graduates
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Wilmington University, approximately 26% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 29 graduates with reported earnings and 49 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.